After providing what is arguably the worst single performance in the history of the NFL, third-string quarterback Rick Dockery becomes a national laughingstock. Cut by the Cleveland Browns, and shunned by every other team, Rick insists that his agent find a team that does need him. Against enormous odds, Rick lands a job—as the starting quarterback for the Mighty Panthers . . . of Parma, Italy. The Parma Panthers desperately want a former NFL player—any former NFL player—at their helm. And now they’ve got Rick, who knows nothing about Parma (not even where it is) and doesn’t speak a word of Italian. To say that Italy—the land of fine wines, extremely small cars, and football americano—holds a few surprises for Rick Dockery would be something of an understatement.

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Review:

Playing for Pizza: A Q&A with John Grisham

Q: American football in Italy seems like an unlikely subject for a John Grisham novel. What was the inspiration for Playing for Pizza?

A: Three years ago when I was in Bologna researching "The Broker", I discovered American football. One of my guides in the area played football for the Bologna Warriors for 10 years. I couldn't believe that American football actually existed there, but the more I heard about it the more intrigued I became.

Q: There is some great football writing in this novel. What kind of research was involved in capturing how this American institution is played in small town Italy?

A: The only way to research the book was to go to Parma and watch a game. The coach is an American who played at Illinois State, and he proved to be extremely valuable. I met many of the Italian players and the story simply unfolded.

Q: Speaking of research, you write lovingly of Italian food and wine in this book. What's your idea of the perfect Italian meal?

A: First course: prosicutto and melon; second course: stuffed tortellini; third course: roasted stuffed capon, all served with a great Barolo wine.

Q: Without giving away too much of the plot, your protagonist falls in love by the novel's end. Did you know when you started writing that Rick would get the girl?

A: Of course.

Q: You have a new legal thriller coming in January 2008. Can you give us any hints about what to expect?

A: I really don't like to talk about a book until it's finished. Sorry. But it will not be another work of non-fiction, nor will it be about football. Lots of lawyers in the next one.

About the Author:

Since first publishing A Time to Kill in 1988, Grisham has written one novel a year (his other books are The Firm, The Pelican Brief, The Client, The Chamber, The Rainmaker, The Runaway Jury, The Partner, The Street Lawyer, The Testament, The Brethren, A Painted House, Skipping Christmas, The Summons, The King of Torts, Bleachers, The Last Juror, and The Broker) and all of them have become international bestsellers. The Innocent Man (October 2006) marks his first foray into non-fiction.

Grisham lives with his wife Renee and their two children Ty and Shea. The family splits their time between their Victorian home on a farm in Mississippi and a plantation near Charlottesville, VA.

Book Description Bantam, 2011. Book Condition: New. Brand New, Unread Copy in Perfect Condition. A+ Customer Service! Summary: Fans of John Grisham live for his legal thrillers, but now and then he serves up something unexpected. That's exactly what he does, with great success, in Playing for Pizza - USA Today Enthralling-People - Score another one for Grisham.This is a fish-out-of-water tale that perfectly suits his strengths as a storyteller. -USA Today - light-hearted story of football, food and love. -Richmond Times-Dispatch Football in Italy? Who knew? Grisham means to have a sweet time with this story of a fallen NFL quarterback. And he does - Daily News(New York) Delightfully comic.a deeply satisfying story - The Boston Globe - Charming.the author's love letter to Italy - Publishers Weekly From the Paperback edition. Bookseller Inventory # ABE_book_new_0385344007

Book Description Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc, United States, 2011. Paperback. Book Condition: New. Reprint. 198 x 132 mm. Language: English Brand New Book. #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER After providing what is arguably the worst single performance in the history of the NFL, third-string quarterback Rick Dockery becomes a national laughingstock. Cut by the Cleveland Browns, and shunned by every other team, Rick insists that his agent find a team that does need him. Against enormous odds, Rick lands a job--as the starting quarterback for the Mighty Panthers . . . of Parma, Italy. The Parma Panthers desperately want a former NFL player--any former NFL player--at their helm. And now they ve got Rick, who knows nothing about Parma (not even where it is) and doesn t speak a word of Italian. To say that Italy--the land of fine wines, extremely small cars, and football americano --holds a few surprises for Rick Dockery would be something of an understatement. Bookseller Inventory # AAS9780385344005

Book Description Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc, United States, 2011. Paperback. Book Condition: New. Reprint. 198 x 132 mm. Language: English Brand New Book. #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER After providing what is arguably the worst single performance in the history of the NFL, third-string quarterback Rick Dockery becomes a national laughingstock. Cut by the Cleveland Browns, and shunned by every other team, Rick insists that his agent find a team that does need him. Against enormous odds, Rick lands a job--as the starting quarterback for the Mighty Panthers . . . of Parma, Italy. The Parma Panthers desperately want a former NFL player--any former NFL player--at their helm. And now they ve got Rick, who knows nothing about Parma (not even where it is) and doesn t speak a word of Italian. To say that Italy--the land of fine wines, extremely small cars, and football americano --holds a few surprises for Rick Dockery would be something of an understatement. Bookseller Inventory # AAS9780385344005